Canada Finland semifinal: canada finland update as Crosby ruled out
Sidney Crosby’s injury has left uncertainty ahead of the canada finland semifinal, and if he cannot play the captain’s role will likely shift to Connor McDavid. Canada advanced after an overtime win in the quarterfinals, but the team faces a do-or-die meeting with a strong Finland side on Feb. 20 (ET) at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Canada Finland captaincy question
International rules require a captain’s 'C' on the sweater, and with Crosby injured the expectation is that McDavid would assume that role if Crosby is ruled out. The head coach declined to declare Crosby unavailable on short notice, while practice observations showed McDavid leading on the ice and taking an outsized role in preparations.
canada finland leadership test
McDavid has been one of the tournament’s leading scorers with 11 points (2-9) and was first on the ice for a practice session referenced by team staff. Teammates and coaches described his play as elevated and noted his leadership has been growing organically; that emergence predates Crosby’s injury, including moments such as a championship-winning goal in a recent international event. With multiple veteran leaders in the locker room, the team expects leadership to be shared, but McDavid’s form and presence make him the most likely on-ice focal point if Crosby does not play.
Crosby's influence off ice
Crosby sustained a right-leg injury in the quarterfinal after absorbing a hit and could not continue into the third period. He addressed teammates late in that game while the score was tied, urging them to push for the win. Canada responded: Nick Suzuki tied the game with 3: 27 remaining in regulation and Mitch Marner scored 1: 22 into overtime to secure a 4-3 victory, sending the team to the semifinals.
The injury looked severe on the ice, with Crosby’s legs buckling and appearing separated at unusual angles, and he remained under evaluation after the game. Team officials noted he left the game and could not take the third-period shift, but he remained a presence for teammates in the building.
The quarterfinal came against a Czech side that opened with two first-period goals, and key moments included a tying goal by MacKinnon, a late Czech go-ahead goal with 7: 42 to play, and the late Suzuki equalizer that forced overtime. A younger contributor opened the scoring and assisted on later goals, while the bench rallied through intense moments to complete the comeback.
What’s next and immediate outlook
If Crosby is unavailable for the semifinal, formal captaincy will shift under tournament rules and McDavid is the expected recipient of the 'C' for the game. Observable indicators—McDavid’s practice presence, his tournament-leading 11 points (2-9), and recent leadership growth—point to him carrying more on-ice responsibility. The semifinal on Feb. 20 (ET) is a single-elimination matchup against a very tough Finland team; Canada’s capacity to rally in tight games, demonstrated in the quarterfinal overtime win, will be a crucial indicator of how it performs without Crosby in the lineup.
